In January, nine interdisciplinary research teams were selected to receive funding, totaling $797,772, from the Science & Technology Advisory Council (STAC). Research projects directly address the RI NSF EPSCoR proposed program themes of Assessment and Impacts, Visualization and Imaging; and Forecasting and Management.

Genetic Sensors for ecosystem functions: new ways of quantifying predation in the ocean

This pilot project will bring together scientists from URI and RIC to develop novel genetic sensors for grazers by using newly acquired transcriptomics data that specifically targets gene expression of predators under varying grazing conditions.

The goal of this project is to assess the impacts of climate change-induced stressors on the potential of marine microbial populations to transfer virulence, antibiotic resistance, and other genetic traits by bringing together experts in molecular microbiology & immunology, and aquatic pathology.

Collaborators

Peter Belenky, Brown University

Ying Zhang, University of Rhode Island

Marta Gomez-Chiarri, University of Rhode Island

A Nanoscale Biosensor for in-situ Monitoring of Water-Borne Contaminants in Coastal Ocean Environments

This team will develop and explore the use of a highly selective and near-field enhanced nanoscale biosensor that can be useful to conduct in-situ monitoring of water-borne contaminants such as toxic algae and others in coastal waters.

Collaborators

Yi Zheng, University of Rhode Island

Tracey Dalton, University of Rhode Island

Benjamin McPheron, Roger Williams University

Charles Thangaraj, Roger Williams University

Allelopathic effects of macroalgae on shellfish larvae in RI under current and projected sea surface temperatures

This team of researchers will prepare preliminary data to determine the identity and effects of allelochemicals released from bloom-forming macroalgae on the survival and physiology of shellfish larval stages.